Abstract: Provided is a three-dimensional modeling apparatus including a stage, a constraining body, a supply nozzle, an irradiation unit, and a movement mechanism. The constraining body includes a surface including a linear region along a first direction, and is opposed to the stage so that the linear region is the closest to the stage. The supply nozzle supplies a material curable by energy of an energy ray into a slit region between the stage and the linear region. The irradiation unit irradiates the supplied material with the energy ray through the constraining body. The movement mechanism moves the stage relative to the constraining body along a second direction for forming a cured layer of the material for one layer, and moves the constraining body and the stage relative to each other along a stacking direction for stacking the cured layers.

Abstract: A railless billet electric induction heating apparatus and method is provided where billets are continuously or statically heated by induction by moving the billets without billet support rails through an induction coil supplied with alternating current power when the billets are in direct sliding contact with the interior surface of a clay graphite billet slider disposed within the induction coil. The clay graphite billet slider can also provide thermal insulation between the induction coil and the clay graphite billet slider to eliminate the requirement for a separate induction coil refractory.

Abstract: An injection assembly (1) of a die casting machine comprises valve means for controlling the advancement and return of the injection piston (20) and of the multiplier piston (42). The valve means comprise a plurality of valves, including a proportional delivery valve (104), a proportional injection discharge valve (112) and a proportional multiplier valve (118). Electronic control means (300) are provided which are configured and/or programmed to execute an air purge cycle which performs the opening and closing of the valves, alternately, for a predetermined number of times.

Abstract: [Problem to Be Solved] A pouring control method for controlling an automatic pouring device with a tilting-type ladle is provided. By the method, a lip of a pouring ladle approaches a sprue of a mold without striking any object located within the range of its movement. Also, by the method, the molten metal that runs out of the ladle can accurately fill the mold.

Abstract: A die casting machine includes a plurality of ejector pins capable of advancing and retracting together with respect to the internal portion of a die; an electric motor capable of driving the plurality of ejector pins; a position sensor capable of detecting the positions of the plurality of ejector pins; a force sensor capable of detecting the pressure which is given to the molding material inside the die by the plurality of ejector pins; a display device capable of displaying images, and a control device controlling the electric motor and display device. The control device includes a drive control part which controls the electric motor so as to generate a driving force making the plurality of ejector pins advance to the inside of the die after the start of injection and before die opening, and a display control part which controls the display device so as to display the position detected by a position sensor and the pressure detected by a force sensor along a common time axis.

Abstract: A molding method includes the steps of specifying a simulating domain having a resin part and a mold part, wherein the simulating domain corresponds to a genuine domain on a molding machine; setting an initial resin temperature of the resin part and an initial mold temperature of the mold part; performing a transient state analysis to calculate a plurality of temperature distributions at different times between the resin part and the mold part; calculating at least one heat transfer coefficient between the resin part and the mold part taking into consideration the plurality of temperature distributions at different times; simulating the molding process of a molding resin that is injected into the simulating domain by using the at least one heat transfer coefficient to generate a plurality of molding conditions; and performing the molding process by using the plurality of molding conditions to the genuine domain on the molding machine.

Abstract: The present invention provides pouring equipment of a tilting-type that can appropriately pour molten metal at a high speed corresponding to the speed of molding. It also provides a method of pouring the molten metal. The pouring equipment has a holding furnace supplying the molten metal by being tilted, a pouring ladle pouring the molten metal supplied from the holding furnace into molds that are intermittently transported, a device for measuring weight of the molten metal in the pouring ladle, and equipment for control that controls the tiltings of the holding furnace and the pouring ladle. The equipment for control has a device for storing results from measurements and devices for calculating the first and second flow rate. The equipment controls the tilting of the ladle so that the ladle pours the molten metal into the mold according to the flow pattern of the product.

Abstract: The invention relates to a die cast part (8, 9, 10, 11, 12) of a die casting mold (5, 6, 7), having at least one first component (13, 15, 17, 19, 21) comprising a pressure zone (24, 25, 40, 60), at least one second component (14, 16, 18, 20, 22) and at least one heat exchange chamber (27, 36, 43, 51, 55, 62) permeated by a fluid and formed by the components (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22) for controlling the temperature of the pressure zone (24, 25, 40, 60), wherein the first component (13, 15, 17, 19, 21) comprises a heat transfer surface (34, 41, 61) integral to at least one wall of the heat exchange chamber (27, 36, 43, 51, 55, 62) and thermally associated with the pressure zone (24, 25, 40, 60).

Abstract: Metal alloy injection molding techniques are described. In one or more implementations, these techniques may also include adjustment of injection pressure, configuration of runners, and/or use of vacuum pressure, and so on to encourage flow of the metal alloy through a mold. Techniques are also described that utilize protrusions to counteract thermal expansion and subsequent contraction of the metal alloy upon cooling. Further, techniques are described in which a radius of edges of a feature is configured to encourage flow and reduce voids. A variety of other techniques are also described herein.

Abstract: In a tilting gravity casting apparatus, a die includes a ladle that stores a molten metal and the molten metal is poured through a runner into a cavity of the die when the die is tilted. The apparatus includes a block member for blocking the runner, a pressing pin for pressing the molten metal in the cavity, a controller that controls operation of driving the block member and the pressing pin, and a first molten metal sensing sensor disposed in the runner. The controller is configured to start driving the block member and the pressing pin based on a detection signal outputted from the first molten metal sensing sensor.

Abstract: A process in direct chill casting wherein molten metal is introduced into a casting mold and cooled by impingement of a liquid coolant on solidifying metal in a casting pit including a movable platen and an occurrence of a bleed-out or run-out is detected the process including exhausting generated gas from the casting pit; and introducing an inert gas into the casting pit, the inert gas having a density less than a density of air; reducing any flow of the liquid coolant.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for centrifugal casting, in which transfer functions are developed relating the fluidity of molten metal, for example iron of varying composition, to casting machine movement for a particular mold in order to cast objects, for example pipe, having desired and uniform characteristics, including wall thickness. Fluidity is calculated for each pour of molten metal based on the measured pour temperature and measured liquidus arrest temperature. A drive system controlled by a programmable logic controller moves the casting machine in accordance with the output of the transfer functions based on the calculated fluidity.

Abstract: [Problem to Be Solved] A pouring control method for controlling an automatic pouring device with a tilting-type ladle is provided. By the method, a lip of a pouring ladle approaches a sprue of a mold without striking any object located within the range of its movement. Also, by the method, the molten metal that runs out of the ladle can accurately fill the mold.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for centrifugal casting, in which transfer functions are developed relating the fluidity of molten metal, for example iron of varying composition, to casting machine movement for a particular mold in order to cast objects, for example pipe, having desired and uniform characteristics, including wall thickness. Fluidity is calculated for each pour of molten metal based on the measured pour temperature and measured liquidus arrest temperature. A drive system controlled by a programmable logic controller moves the casting machine in accordance with the output of the transfer functions based on the calculated fluidity.

Abstract: A method for detecting metal in an inner region of a caster mold during a casting process using a plurality of eddy current probe assemblies, wherein each of the plurality of eddy current probe assemblies is configured to generate a primary magnetic field passing through nonconductive mold material of the casting mold to the inner region of the casting mold and to provide a signal indicative of a detected secondary magnetic field caused by eddy currents induced in the metal.

Abstract: Automated processes that dynamically control rate of delivery of molten metal to a mold during a casting process. Such automated processes can use dynamic metal level variation, control pin pulses and/or oscillation during the mold fill and transient portion of the cast. It has been found that such pulses keep metal flowing in a manner that addresses problems, particularly at the beginning of an ingot cast, associated with metal meniscus contracting and pulling away from the mold on the short faces and corners.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for centrifugal casting, in which transfer functions are developed relating the fluidity of molten metal, for example iron of varying composition, to casting machine movement for a particular mold in order to cast objects, for example pipe, having desired and uniform characteristics, including wall thickness. Fluidity is calculated for each pour of molten metal based on the measured pour temperature and measured liquidus arrest temperature. A drive system controlled by a programmable logic controller moves the casting machine in accordance with the output of the transfer functions based on the calculated fluidity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for centrifugal casting, in which transfer functions are developed relating the fluidity of molten metal, for example iron of varying composition, to casting machine movement for a particular mold in order to cast objects, for example pipe, having desired and uniform characteristics, including wall thickness. Fluidity is calculated for each pour of molten metal based on the measured pour temperature and measured liquidus arrest temperature. A drive system controlled by a programmable logic controller moves the casting machine in accordance with the output of the transfer functions based on the calculated fluidity.

Abstract: A system (1) for injecting semisolid metal (3) into a mould (2), comprises —a mould (2) which comprises a mould chamber (16) suitable to receive the metal through a mould injection mouth (17); —at least one press device (4) for pressure-injecting metal (3) in said mould (2); —said at least one press device comprises a cylinder (5) having a substantially vertical axis (X-X) and a mouth (15) for coupling to the injection mouth (17) of said mould (2) and a thrust piston (6) accommodated within said cylinder, defining with said cylinder an injection chamber (7) suitable to contain molten metal (10); —said cylinder (5) having passageways (8) to receive cooling fluid (9) for cooling said molten metal (10) poured into said injection chamber (7) in semisolid metal (3); —a cup (18) for drawing the molten metal (10) and pouring the latter into said injection chamber (7); —a positioning device (11); —said positioning device (11) supporting a blending device (12), said blending device (12) having an active portion (14) a

Abstract: A method and apparatus for centrifugal casting, in which transfer functions are developed relating the fluidity of molten metal, for example iron of varying composition, to casting machine movement for a particular mold in order to cast objects, for example pipe, having desired and uniform characteristics, including wall thickness. Fluidity is calculated for each pour of molten metal based on the measured pour temperature and measured liquidus arrest temperature. A drive system controlled by a programmable logic controller moves the casting machine in accordance with the output of the transfer functions based on the calculated fluidity.

Abstract: An apparatus used with an external laser apparatus for generating extreme ultraviolet light includes a target storage unit for storing a target material, a nozzle unit having a through-hole in communication with the interior of the storage unit through which the target material is outputted, an electrode having a through-hole facing the nozzle unit, and a target detector for detecting a target formed of the target material and outputting a detection signal. A direct current voltage adjuster applies and adjusts a direct current between the target material and the electrode, a pressure adjuster applies and adjusts a pressure to the target material through gas, and a controller controls at least one of the direct current voltage adjuster and the pressure adjuster based on the detection signal from the target detector.

Abstract: An inoculant feeding method and apparatus in which a desired amount of inoculants can be fed into molten metal poured into a mold by an automatic molten metal pouring machine, and an automatic molten metal pouring machine using the apparatus. An inoculant feeding apparatus (1) feeds inoculants into molten metal poured into a mold (2) from an automatic molten metal pouring machine (20), at a predetermined proportion corresponding to the amount of the poured molten metal which gradually varies. The apparatus (1) is provided with a hopper (8) which is attached to a truck (6) and which stores the inoculants, a screw conveyor (9) attached to a lower end of the hopper, a drive mechanism (10) which is attached to a base end of the screw conveyor and which drives the screw driver, and a controller (30) which controls the drive mechanism.

Abstract: An automatic pouring method whereby a tilting automatic pouring device can pour at high speed, accommodating high-speed molding on a high-speed molding line. The method includes: a step wherein a pouring hopper, which can hold an amount of molten metal sufficient for multiple pours, is tilted forward, thereby pouring the molten metal from the hopper into a casting mold; a step wherein the pouring hopper is tilted backward, thereby stopping the aforementioned pouring into the casting mold; and a step wherein a set of casting molds, including the casting mold for which the aforementioned pouring has been completed, are moved at intervals. During the period from the beginning of the step in which molten metal is poured into the casting mold to the end of the step in which the set of casting molds is moved at intervals, whenever the weight of molten metal in the pouring hopper is less than a prescribed weight, molten metal is continually supplied to the pouring hopper by tilting a holding furnace forward.

Abstract: A semi-solid metal alloy injection feed system for reduced inclusion injection molding comprises a substantially closed injection chamber for containing a billet of semi-solid metal alloy, and thrusting the billet through the injection chamber into a mold, wherein the injection chamber has a first section defined by a wall with an inner contour for mating with a bearing surface for reciprocating motion of the bearing surface within the first section, along a center axis of the injection chamber; and the injection chamber has an outlet in fluid communication with the mold, the outlet provided at an opening in the injection chamber that is offset with respect to the center axis, and is disposed at an angle of 90° to 125° from the center axis. There is no neck or throttling between the chamber and the outlet. A butt end trap is preferably formed that requires inclusions that are principally on a bottom side of the injector to travel a relatively long ways to enter the outlet.

Abstract: A device for low-pressure casting wherein the stalk or the guiding tube is filled with inert gas by causing the space formed over the molten metal in the pressurizing room to communicate with the stalk or the guiding tube.

Abstract: Provided is an automatic pouring method whereby even a tilting automatic pouring device can pour at high speed, accommodating high-speed molding on a high-speed molding line. Said method includes: a process wherein a pouring tank, which can hold an amount of molten metal sufficient for multiple pours, is tilted forward, thereby pouring the molten metal from inside said tank into a casting mold; a process wherein the pouring tank is tilted backward, thereby halting the aforementioned pouring into the casting mold; and a process wherein a set of casting molds, including the casting mold for which the aforementioned pouring had completed, are moved at intervals.

Abstract: One embodiment is a method. The method includes providing a casting apparatus including a first chamber and a second chamber, wherein the first chamber is isolated from the second chamber. The method includes charging a superalloy composition into a crucible present in the first chamber and melting the superalloy composition in the crucible to form a molten superalloy composition. The method includes discharging the molten superalloy composition into a casting mold present in the second chamber; applying a positive pressure to the first chamber to create a first chamber pressure; and applying a vacuum to the second chamber to create a second chamber pressure, wherein the first chamber pressure is greater than the second chamber pressure. The method further includes casting at least one filament from the molten superalloy composition in the casting mold. An apparatus for casting a plurality of filaments is also provided.

Abstract: A digital manufacturing system comprises a build chamber, a build platform disposed within the build chamber, at least one extrusion line configured to heat a metal-based alloy up to a temperature between solidus and liquidus temperatures of the metal-based alloy, a deposition head disposed within the build chamber and configured to deposit the heated metal-based alloy onto the build platform in a predetermined pattern, an umbilical having a first end located outside of the build chamber and a second end connected to the deposition head, and at least one gantry assembly configured to cause relative motion between the build platform and the deposition head within the build chamber, where the at least one gantry assembly comprises a motor disposed outside of the build chamber.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus and methods for molding battery group straps. Molding apparatus, generally indicated at (10), includes a centrally cooled mold block (11) which defines two laterally displaced sets (12, 13) of longitudinal spaced mold cavity (14) and respective lead feed block (15) and (16) having appropriate feed channels. A sensor, in the form of an electrically conducting rod (25), is disposed so that its tip forms one part of the bottom of the mold cavity (14). This can detect as soon as lead enters into the cavity and that detection is used to control the pour time for the lead to a predetermined period, so that the lead entering the cavities is of a constant quantity on each cycle.

Abstract: A level sensing system and method for determining the level of a conductive material in a casting mold are disclosed, wherein the level sensing system a drive circuit and an inductive component disposed adjacent to the casting mold, and a position of the conductive material in the casting mold may be determined by a change in an electrical characteristic of the drive circuit.

Abstract: Control is provided over the pouring of iron in the casting of iron pipe in a centrifugal casting machine. The initial flow of molten iron from the pouring ladle into the trough actuates an electric eye. A second electric eye is actuated when the molten iron has filled the pouring ladle. The centrifugal casting machine is rolled up to surround the trough, the bell end of the pipe to be formed being at the end of the trough. The molten iron is poured into the casting machine trough and flows into the bell section of the pipe being cast. The casting machine is then moved away from the trough end to form the rest of the pipe.

Abstract: A molding machine able to detect a burr or other abnormality by detecting the position of tie bars. A control device detects an occurrence of burrs according to whether or not displacement amounts of pistons associated with the tie bars, using position sensors which detect the position of the pistons. The position sensors detect position from the start of injection to the completion of the injection to determine whether detected values are within a permissible range.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a device for low-pressure casting wherein the stalk or the guiding hole is filled with inert gas by causing the space formed over the molten metal in the pressurizing room to communicate with the stalk or the guiding hole.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method, system and apparatus for analyzing foam decomposition in contact mode during mold filling in lost foam casting, the foam decomposition having a foam material vapor fraction and the mold filling having a mold filling speed. The method includes providing a plurality of parameter values for casting process parameters as variables of a plurality of predetermined equations, simultaneously solving the plurality of predetermined equations including the parameter values, calculating a vapor value for the fraction of the foam material that decomposes to vapor, an undercut length value designating the amount of coating exposed to gas diffusion, and a speed value for the mold filling speed, and determining whether to adjust at least one of the parameter values based on the results for the vapor value, the undercut length value, or the speed value.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus and methods for moulding battery group straps. Moulding apparatus, generally indicated at (10), includes a centrally cooled mould block (11) which defines two laterally displaced sets (12, 13) of longitudinal spaced mould cavity (14) and respective lead feed block (15) and (16) having appropriate feed channels. A sensor, in the form of an electrically conducting rod (25), is disposed so that its tip forms one part of the bottom of the mould cavity (14). This can detect as soon as lead enters into the cavity and that detection is used to control the pour time for the lead to a predetermined period, so that the lead entering the cavities is of a constant quantity on each cycle.

Abstract: A diecasting process and a diecasting device to shorten the cycle times. The closing of the mold and the filling of molten metal into a casting chamber (4) are performed simultaneously.

Abstract: A level sensing system and method for determining the level of a conductive material in a casting mold are disclosed, wherein the level sensing system a drive circuit and an inductive component disposed adjacent to the casting mold, and a position of the conductive material in the casting mold may be determined by a change in an electrical characteristic of the drive circuit.

Abstract: Control is provided over the pouring of iron in the casting of iron pipe in a centrifugal casting machine. The initial flow of molten iron from the pouring ladle into the trough actuates an electric eye. A second electric eye is actuated when the molten iron has filled the pouring ladle. The centrifugal casting machine is rolled up to surround the trough, the bell end of the pipe to be formed being at the end of the trough. The molten iron is poured into the casting machine trough and flows into the bell section of the pipe being cast. The casting machine is then moved away from the trough end to form the rest of the pipe.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved vacuum die-casting, in particular for metals and metal alloys which contain Al, Mg, Zn, and Cu. In order to improve the quality of the components, it is proposed to produce vacuum in the mold cavity and the casting chamber cavity in several phases of the die-casting process. The use of the new method is contemplated for both cold-chamber and hot-chamber die-casting.

Abstract: A method for deciding objectively whether a refractory plate of a slide gate valve used to control the flow of a molten metal during the pouring of the metal from an upper vessel to a lower vessel can be reused or should be discarded. Values of parameters measured during pouring or proper to the plate are determined during successive uses of the plate. The values are compared to threshold values to reach a decision. Also, a device for making decisions according to this method.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to be able to produce directly cast GGV and GGG melts in a single-stage process, simultaneously determine the physical and mechanical parameters such as the strength index and the pipe index by means of a thermal analysis and a mathematical evaluation model, continuously compare the process data to the target data with the aid of the process control computer, optimally determine the amounts to be added, and introduce the determined amount into the melt.

Abstract: A die casting method initially injects an alloy with minimal volumetric contraction during solidification into a die cavity, monitors at least one of the pressure of the shot cylinder and the position of the plunger, and reduces the injection pressure during the final stage of filling of the die mold. A die casting machine includes a shot cylinder having one of a pressure detector located for detecting the hydraulic pressure applied to the cylinder or a position sensor for a plunger rod. The plunger rod includes a tip extending into a cold chamber, which receives a metal alloy having a minimal shrinkage characteristic. A source of hydraulic pressure is coupled to the shot cylinder by a control valve and a control circuit is coupled to said valve and to one of said detector or sensor for reducing the injection pressure near the end of an injection cycle.

Abstract: A molding machine able to stably detect an abnormality of a squeeze pin, for example, a die cast machine having a squeeze pin able to apply pressure to a melt of a cavity repeatedly performing a molding cycle including a pressing process making the squeeze pin advance and applying pressure to the melt of the cavity in a state where the melt is filled in the cavity and a spray process making the squeeze pin advance and performing at least one of lubrication and cooling of the squeeze pin in the state where the melt is not filled in the cavity, and, in the spray process, detecting a stroke of the squeeze pin and detecting an abnormality of the squeeze pin based on a comparison of the detection result about the stroke and a predetermined reference value.

Abstract: Disclosed is: (i) a method of a molding system, (ii) a controller of a molding system, (iii) an article of manufacture of a controller of a molding system, (iv) a network-transmittable signal of a controller of a molding system, and/or (v) a molding system having a controller, amongst other things.

Abstract: A computer program product for controlling an apparatus for continuous casting of metals. The computer program product includes a computer readable medium and computer program instructions recorded on the computer readable medium executable by a processor for performing the steps of supplying a molten metal to a casting mold with an elongated horizontal cross section, applying at least one magnetic field to the to exert an influence on the movement of the molten metal, generating a stationary magnetic field with a variable strength across the elongated cross section of the casting mold in the vicinity of, or below, where the molten metal is supplied, and generating a variable magnetic field in an area of the upper surface of molten metal in a region that is centrally located with respect to the elongated cross section and in the vicinity of where the molten metal is supplied.

Abstract: To provide a mold clamping apparatus that a new actuator is not necessary for a mold thickness adjustment and that the mold thickness adjustment can be performed at low cost. A mold clamping apparatus has a tie bar having a piston and a coupled groove, a cylinder for mold clamping that has the piston of the tie bar built in and that pressured driving liquid for generating mold clamping force is supplied, a half nut coupled with the tie bar releasably by meshing with the coupled groove, a position sensor detecting a position of a moving direction of the tie bar, a direction change valve changing a supply of the driving liquid between a first cylinder chamber and a second cylinder chamber, and a control apparatus positioning a position of the tie bar at a position that the half nut and the coupled groove are able to be meshed by controlling the direction change valve in response to the position of the tie bar detected by the position sensor.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for verifying the treatment of molten metal wherein a sensing device detects an in situ response resulting from the treatment of the molten metal. The in situ response is compared to a pre-set limit or condition in order to determine whether or not proper treatment of the molten metal has occurred. In particular, the sensing device detects an in situ response resulting from the mixture of a molten metal addition to a molten metal. An electronic transformation device can be used to transform the in situ response into a response data set. The response data set can be transmitted to and received by a microprocessor. The microprocessor can manipulate the response data set. The in situ response to the treatment of the molten metal can be in the form of heat, light intensity, light wavelength, density of smoke particles, composition of smoke particles, mechanical vibration and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Parameters specifying properties of the materials used in the lost foam casting process are input at an input step. Numerical methods may be used to simultaneously solve a set of coupled equations relating thermal properties, flow properties, and other physical properties of the metal and foam. A profile number ? and an engulf number E may be evaluated using the values of physical quantities determined during the numerical solution step. Once values for the profile number ? and engulf number E have been determined, these values may be checked to see if they lie within appropriate ranges.

Abstract: A method for sizing an overflow chamber (46) in a mold (32) for the die casting of metals is disclosed. The method includes the steps of simulating a pressure of molten metal (30) in a main cavity (42) of the mold (32) and calculating the volume of the overflow chamber (46) from parameters yielded by the pressure simulation. A mold (32) defining overflow chambers (46) is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method, system and apparatus for analyzing foam decomposition in gap mode during mold filling in lost foam casting, the casting process in gap mode characterized by a bubble flux and the mold filling having a mold filling speed. The method includes providing a plurality of values for casting process parameters as variables in a plurality of predetermined equations, simultaneously solving the plurality of predetermined equations including the parameter values, calculating a flux value for the bubble flux, a gap value for the gap width, and a speed value for the mold filling speed, and determining whether to adjust at least one of the parameter values based on at least one result for the bubble flux, mold filling speed, or gap width.